Ready for a Sunny Saturday at the Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market!

Buy your awareness hair clippies and wear your support in style. Purple supports all cancer survivors and victims of domestic violence and child abuse. Coming soon, pink for breast cancer! Profits will be donated to Becky's House and CaringBridge. Awareness encourages education!

Looks like sunshine tomorrow- great day to get out and visit the Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market and visit our booth while getting some fresh air and supporting local growers and businesses!

I have some new arrivals I'll be bringing with me....

A new style of Pacifier Clips by the Mom behind Hippie Clippies- Binky Bauble Pacifier Clips! Made with limited vintage materials that contain no glass, bone, or led so baby can chew and play all they want. The cords are even dyed with vegetable dyes. Vintage Beads means no two are ever alike so your little one will have an original. They can even be clipped to toys or other items. Mam clips available by request. They also fit Soothies and Gumdrops- meaning they work with literally ANY pacifier.

Also now carrying Boutique Corkers, including Pigtail Corkers (2 smaller sized) and embellished ones. Attached to a non-slip clippie for fun with any hairstyle, type or add to a beanie!

Just in this week, new toddler/child size Bloomin' Beanies from Inky Binky Baby. Some great new colors to choose from. And coming this week, even more products including the 3" headbands, more custom made flower clippies to mix and match, new burp cloths and sets, and possibly some new items and designs. I'll keep you updated.

Today I got in my new BabyLegs shipment for those of you awaiting that. Remember they even have the sport patterns. Great for boys, girls, teens, moms and dads, infants, EVERYONE. My newest addiction. Why are they so darn cute?

Don't forget to when you stop by to check out the BabyLegs, Corkers and Clippies to inquire about special orders for your sports team, dance class and more!

Okay, another late night. I'm off!

Thursday February 26th

Brief update-

Online store going well. It's not up yet except for a little link (www.freshpickedboutique.com) but behind the scenes a lot of work is going on and it is pretty exciting.

I'll be back at the store today, but I will need to leave at 2:15 for some appointments. In response to my "anonymous" poster (which I will reply to later), yes my hours can be erratic sometime. Especially lately between sick kids and the kick-off of the online store. But I'm a mom of three, doing this alone, and for the most part my customers seem to understand and are happy that I am so accommodating in different ways.

I'm reachable at all hours by phone or email. My store phone goes to my cell if I am closed and my email is accessible from anywhere. I can ship, deliver, meet up at the store around my schedule when needed and place special orders. I also will help people find something I do not have by giving them all the info of where to get it (even from a competitor) or go do it myself. Since I am a new business I focus on customer service until I get on my feet. Otherwise, I'd have to hire an employee, increase my overhead resulting in increasing prices, and probably be running my business full-time as an online store only because I'd run out of cash-flow fast. So, I think I'm pretty accommodating for a business and if it doesn't work for you and I lose a customer- sure, it's a bummer but most moms understand that when you have kids and are self-employed (which means I work 60-80 hours a week because I do a lot from home and after hours) you have to be flexible.

Anyway, love you all that are fans and hope you understand. Coupons coming out in the next week. Farmer's Market Saturday. Email or call with special requests! I'll write again soon. Off to work.

Update on Hours, New See Kai Run!

See Kai Run- New styles and Upcoming Sale! Look at these styles. Adorable, fashionable and comfortable. My two younger ones LOVE them.

Help me with my re-order on See Kai Run shoes. After many requests, I think it is time I start carrying the smallers. Look at these adorable styles! How to choose???

You, the consumer can help me out! I will take special orders by request (size and style) in addition to some picks of my own. I did this last time with just a few of my customers right around the Holidays and it was great. You get the shoes you want and you support "the little guy" (me). Then you can pick them up from the store, have them shipped (or sent to a friend as a gift- ask for gift wrapping!) and even ask me to bring them to the SR Farmer's Market for pick-up. Please contact me for details. Let's try and get an order together within the next week before some of their great winter styles are GONE!

Why See Kai Run? Besides the fact that it was, of course, started by a mom... Here are some fabulous reasons from their website:

Our Shoes
See Kai Run and Smaller promote healthy development of babies' and children's feet with their ultra-flexible soles, soft leather and wide toe box. Our footwear meets the American Podiatric Medical Association's rigorous standards for foot health and functionality and has been awarded the APMA's prestigious Seal of Acceptance.

Why See Kai Run?
Healthy Fit

Very flexible soles are healthy for developing feet.

Wide opening and toe box accommodate even the chubbiest little feet.

Velcro closure allows for adjustable fit and easy on and off.

Leather lining is breathable and durable.

Padded collar adds comfort and helps our shoes stay on little feet.

Quality Construction

Leather used for our footwear meets the most stringent available U.S. and international guidelines.

Sheepskin leather uppers are butter-soft and more durable by weight than cow leather used by many other brands.

Durable construction and rubber sole stand up to heavy play indoors and out.

Urban Style

Hip, urban styles in modern color palettes.

Bold designs and detailing.

Modern takes on classic styles.

These are some of my favorites and the more popular styles in regular See Kai Run (above pictures are of the smallers by See Kai Run). I'd love to eventually get interest from my customers about the Elevens. Elevens are their 'sister' company that has similar buttery leather, trendy styles, and the larger sizes have great designs for the school-age children. Check out the website http://www.seekairun.com/ for info on all three styles and sizes.

Okay, briefly as of course, it's late again :)

Tuesday the 24th and Wednesday the 25th, I will be running around between the store, appointments and working on the webpage www.freshpickedboutique.com. I'm both excited and nervous about such a big project! So, feel free to call or email but I wouldn't recommend stopping by either day without confirming I'm there. I am expecting to be there regular hours Thursday and Friday and Saturday the Farmer's Market unless something about the site needs my immediate attention or anything like that. I then expect to not only have regular hours again for March (excluding the occasional this and that) but also fun events planned!

Also, check out my Facebook Page and/or store and become a fan!

And a new shipment of BabyLegs is on the way. I will also be sending out an email update and coupon soon- however I may have mixed up some of the "add-me" and "remove-me" so I'll post when I send it out and if I made any errors, please forgive me and let me know. I'm switching my contact list to my Fresh Picked email account and well, it happens.

Okay, off to finishing up so I can try and get some sleep before the kiddos get up for school.

Please continue your input, phone calls, reviews, and patience as it helps give me the drive to push on no matter what is trying to cut me off! Thank you!

Oh, also a new shipment of the Larger Size Bloomin' Beanies is in along with some other fun things. Woo hoo! Including Corkers and Awareness ribbons. This place just might be coming along. It just wouldn't be the same if I was an online only store- we need both and we are hitting month six so it's time for reviewing...

Wednesday-Saturday: Hours Update Only

Wednesday I have to work on an order and some stuff that I need the internet for, so I will be in around 11:30. I will be there until 3:00 because I have to pick up my daughter from school (babysitter out this week!). If someone else can do it at the last minute, I'll stay later so you can always call. And remember I can try and bring stuff to my house or the Farmer's Market Saturday or deliver.

Thursday and Friday I will be closed (working on web page) but can be reached by phone or email.

Saturday- Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market!

More later :)

Changes, Hours & More: Additonal Info On the Way

I will be at the store today for only a couple hours because my son is sick (and he is with me Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and I (a) don't want him to be horribly miserable there or (b) possibly be contagious even though it has been several days. Today seems to be the worst day. If he gets worse, off to the doctor. Otherwise, he should start improving. Seems this sort of icky virus is going around according to everyone I have talked with.

I'd love to place a new order with See Kai Run, including the Smallers by See Kai Run. Place a special request and support a local mom and get the shoes you want!

I am going to be working on several things for the store for the next couple weeks and so will be in and out and will update this site daily with information. I am on working on a goal date of Friday to establish my online store website. Other things I am working on is inventorying (my tags finally arrived), event planning, advertising, new product arrivals, an email update and coupon.

I am on my way out the door, so I will continue to update. Few short things to remind everyone of before I go:

(1) Fresh Picked Boutique has both a Facebook Page and Store if you are interested in checking out some things there (one of the many places I plan on setting things like that up). Do a search for Fresh Picked Boutique under those categories or even for me. I have lots of customers and even vendors I work with on my personal page. I'll post a link on my blog later on.

(2) I want/need your input on products that I currently carry, other new things you would like to see, or ideas you may have about the store

(3) Since there are a lot of changes to my schedule right now, please don't lose faith that Fresh Picked is a reputable and reliable company. I have times I can make appointments to meet people for shopping if necessary when I am not at the store. I also ship products. If you are nearby, I may be able to meet you at a designated location. If there is something you need that I don't have, ask if I can find it for you, etc.

(4) Word-of-Mouth is EXTREMELY important to any business, but even more so for both boutiques and resale shops (which I am both of). Remember, all new products support other moms. And if you are happy with the store, you are supporting another mom. If you send an email or forward my next email update to 10 or more people and CC it to me, I will return the favor with a coupon or maybe even another sort of surprise depending on the outcome of your email. You will receive a coupon either way. You can also post a review on your own blog, website, or any of the web pages I am listed on that allows customer reviews.

Gotta run. Let's keep this store not just up and running in an "actual store" vs. relying more on online sales. And even with the online store, I will still keep this blog. Thank you for your hundreds of visits a week!

Book your playgroup, mom's group, support group, host a craft or independent party (such as if you sell some kind of make-up or tupperware, etc that moms would be interested in). I have the room for the event and moms can bring their kids and not worry about hosting the party at their house and looking for sitters, etc. I'm listening!

Favorite Crafts for Under $10

I'll be open today (Valentine's Day) from 11-3. I need to spend a little special time with my three favorite Valentine's!

If you think you may want something wrapped for you, please call ahead in case I run short on supplies (I can make a quick trip to pick-up if necessary).

All wrapping supplies should be ready soon.

Briefly, here are a few of my favorite art & crafts from Melissa and Doug - all for under $10!


The Jumbo Coloring pad is AWESOME! I also have a boy verson. Pick up a pack of their jumbo crayons and you are ready for some quiet fun time!

Or perhaps your little one is more expressive and prefers to free-draw? I have doodle and finger paint pads in different sizes to choose from. Excellent quality and amazing prices!

Always a winner, puzzles for all ages. Peg puzzles such as this princess one also works as a mix-n-match dress up set. Love it!

So that's my suggestions for the day's shopping to prepare for the upcoming holiday and rain! Or birthday parties, playgroups, etc.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I will be open and at the store today (Saturday) instead of the Farmer's Market due to the weather. Hopefully next week it will be nicer! I have a great selection right now of Melissa and Doug toys if you need a last minute gift or something interesting to do while it rains on and off.

Do you have a favorite outfit you bought at the store? Take a picture of your little valentine wearing/using something from Fresh Picked Boutique and it just might get posted on my blog.

Do you have a favorite pair of See Kai Run shoes you would like? If I don't have it in stock, I am starting to take special orders/requests with a deposit. Please contact me for more information. I can also take requests for Smaller by See Kai Run.

Check out the blog for more regular postings of pictures and updates as there are a lot of things being planned and worked on :)

I love putting together outfits and gift sets. These were my favorites of the week.

The one on the left is a gently used boutique sweater romper and cardigan in light pink with some embroidered flowers. Add a bloomin' beanie and you have not only modernized a beautiful piece, but something you can mix and match. The cardigan can be worn over other pieces. The Bloomin' Beanies I carry have removable clippies so the beanie can be worn alone, washed, the clip can be worn alone, and you can buy extra flowers or headbands and beanies and mix and match according to your mood.

The red velvet dress on the right is by cachcach and is new and looks great with the Indrias by See Kai Run. Throw them with a pair of BabyLegs to keep warm. Pick a girly pair for your legs when you are in the mood for a fancier look. Into funky modern fashion? Pick out a striped pair and wear them as leg warmers, leggings or on the arms instead of a sweater. For the hair a cute red velvet clippie or a ladybug?

Speaking of BabyLegs, what styles are your favorites? Let me know which ones you would like to see me carry so I can get some ideas for the next order. Another posting I'll get some pictures from their site of wearing ideas. They look so different in a package than on and they can be worn so many different ways.

Okay, I'm going to get myself a bowl of cereal and lie back down before the kiddos wake up.

Pictures, Updates and Schedule

Yes, I'm still awake at 5 in the morning. Part of the life of running a business and being a mom of three. Yikes. Maybe I can get at least an hour or so of having my eyes closed...

Anyway, I'm so sad/sorry about the irregular hours but sometimes we have to just do what we need to for our kiddos right?

I did get tags finally in and new business cards, which is exciting because I have lots of stuff to put out on the racks. Now I can see what I have and what I need, go through what I have at home, etc. Yeah! New clothes and other new arrivals. Love it. And I can get my cards back out there again. I am relying on word-of-mouth and getting myself out there, leaving fliers or cards, etc. Little anxiety lifted when they arrived!

Stop by for some yummy warm clothes and jackets for this crazy weather. Add a beanie and a pair of BabyLegs and you are ready to go anywhere! I still have lots of Valentine's stuff- don't let these prices slip away!

Look at this adorable new top by the European Line "Mothercare". They are newborn size and I only have a few Leif. Look at the great A-line cut perfect to pair-up with some soft leggings. How cute would they be even with a great pair of little jeans or even with just tights and a diaper cover. Then throw on some leg warmers for an extra layer! I'm going to sell them for 50% off retail for the month of February since they have some cute little hearts on the design! They are part of a two-piece set, but like other things about the store, I don't have the actual "set" but part of what I love about fashion is putting your own personal touch to wear something in several different ways.

I'm also trying a new vendor- Little Knits (http://www.little-knits.com/)

I don't have the matching hats, but I got a deal from the Company and am passing that down to you, the Buyer! We love under retail pricing! Match them up with a beanie from Inky Binky Baby instead. Let's see how they sell and hopefully they will be a fun addition to the store :)

I'm getting back on track and working on an email update. I'm also stocking up on new blankets, hats, and more new Gymboree and Baby Lulu. Slowly I am working on re-designing my blog so you can get quick info about the store until I (possibly) get a "real" shopping website. I will still keep this site of course. Also, I'm adding a survey. I want to know what you think about cloth diapers, specifically FuzziBunz. I know most of us moms don't even consider them with the convenience of disposable diapers. However, I have heard such wonderful things and have had a ton of customers inquire about them. They are cute, economical, easier to use than most of us imagine and I think they would be a good addition to the store. FuzziBunz in particular has my favorite attributes of all vendors I consider: being a mom-ran business and going with the "Green" of a resale shop, but the quality of a being a Boutique designed quality item. I can also offer classes and information about cloth diapering and using FuzziBunz in particular at the store if you are curious, but unsure of how to start. They can even be used as a part-time alternative so you never worry about running out of diapers in the middle of the night :)

As for the current schedule (as promised I will update regularly)

Wednesday (2/11): Opening time as normal. I have to leave for an appointment at 1:15 or so. If all goes well, I'll be back from 2:30-4. If I have to pick up my daughter, I will have to go straight from my appointment.

Thursday: Opening at 11 the latest (school party in the AM) and will be there all day until 4.

Friday: Opening normal Friday time (by 11 the latest- volunteer work in the AM). I have another meeting that I will have to leave for by 12:20 or so and I have no idea how long it will take. Hopefully only an hour?



Saturday: Looks like rain, so I'll be at the store instead of the Farmer's Market. Remember I have a playroom with books and toys. Last weekend I went to the bookstore when it was raining and the place was packed with parents just wanting to get their kids out. Why not come by the store for a change of scenery, more seating, and I can make you some tea or coffee? And I have some great Melissa & Doug craft stuff, toys, and coloring stuff to keep you busy when you leave! I'm brainstorming something fun to offer since it is Valentine's Day. Check for updates!

Doesn't your precious Valentine need one of these? Hippie Clippies also designs Tutus, Pacifier Clips, Nursing Necklaces (more info on those another time) and more, in addition to the fashionable non-slip hair clips that you can find in my hair also most of the time! I'm adding a little more selection in the store to see what sells- you can also check out her website and call me with any special requests. Same with most of my vendors as I mentioned in a previous post.

The following week (February 17th - 21st) I will have the kids so I will be in and out of the store. Just give me a call and I can meet you there so the little ones don't feel cooped up for too many days. Tuesday and Wednesday should be fine, but by the end of the week they might get a little stir crazy so just check in. I'm hoping for a sunny Saturday to return to the SR Farmer's Market.

Email me or call for a coupon good through the 21st that can be used in the store or for shipping (and if you are nearby I can possibly meet up or deliver). That's my THANK YOU for being supportive during this little rough spot I have hit!

Store Hours Update for February 10-14

What a crazy week! Sorry I have had to mostly have the store closed the past week, but when your baby needs you- you just have to be there.

I have another appointment Tuesday morning, but plan on coming in the remainder of the day. However, I have no idea how long I will be so feel free to call before coming by.

I am assuming regular store hours the remainder of the week and will post updates as well as some new pictures I have of new items!

Check in on the site or call/email with any questions! Thanks for your support.

And I do have some great Valentine's outfits and accessories- including the BabyLegs Kiss me set (see the adorable picture above!). It's a limited edition and I only have two sets left! Remember, I can also ship items or if this week ends up being a little crazed I live nearby and can meet customers at the store if you want me too. Just ask! Hope you had a great weekend!

Current Store Hours Update! 02/04/09 etc.

My poor little guy has the chickenpox! He hadn't had the vaccine yet, but luckily he seems to have a pretty mild case.

So, due to some things I need to do for him and take care of, I will be closed. I probably will have a chance to stop by the store at least at some point but I cannot pin down a time tonight so if you were planning on coming by, please give me a call first- the store number is still forwarded to my cell.

I can answer any questions you might have or help you with anything. If you need something, I can ship it out, possibly put it on hold or if you live nearby there is a chance I can bring it by.

If things go well and I am able to make it in for a few hours, I will post an update.

So far, I'm planning on opening still on Friday normal hours and Saturday is pending on the weather. Should the sun be out, I will be at the Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market again (I can bring specific items- please call or email before 1:00/2:00 PM on Friday. And I will return to the store for about an hour after for those of you who like to shop on Saturday. If it rains on Saturday as planned- I will be at the store from 10 to 4.

That is my update for now. I'm going to try and get a little rest between wake-ups and cuddles. Thank you for understanding Motherhood and letting me work with you to still be a viable business and a good mom :)

CLOSED 02/03/09

Sorry for any inconvenience but my baby isn't feeling good and I'm afraid it might be contagious, so until I get a clearance- we won't be in! I'll update again in a few hours and you can call 858-621-8776 if you have any questions. Thanks for understanding motherhood!